More and more old-fashioned fashion “rules” are being tossed aside in the name of of creative expression. Personally, I see no reason to limit every color to a specific time of year as long as you style accordingly. Street style-enthusiasts have long since let go of the ban on white after Labor Day, and we’re abandoning all kinds of other seasonal color restrictions, as well. This summer’s trends included shades of navy blue and olive green, and this fall’s fashion scene shows no apparent interest in seeing off Pantone’s 2016 pastel favorites. In other words, you needn’t put your addiction to shades of pastel pink or baby blue on hold ’til spring; you just have to style these “unconventional” colors in ways that make it clear you know it’s not May in October…The good news is, it’s really not so difficult, and you’ll get to maximize more of your purchases.

I bought these fabulous powder blue culottes with sophisticated slits towards the end of summer, but didn’t get a chance to wear them before fall set in. Disappointed, I looked at them and thought, I just can’t wait for winter to come and go before giving them a spin. They’re not too lightweight, so I figured that with the right styling, I could carry them into cooler weather. Complimentary colors can potentially come across as abrasive, but are also inherently pleasing to the eye. By pairing my light blue pants with my beet-red bag, I create an exciting combination of unsaturated complimentary colors that allows the sky blue to fit comfortably into a fall setting. My metallic loafers and layered statement silver jewelry match my handbag’s edgy hardware, and the leather jacket completes a look that’s polished without being prim. I like to show a sliver of skin with a crop top to even further emphasize the contrast and balance between hard and soft elements, but you could swap in any black, tucked-in tee or tank for a more conservative take on this look. You might think dramatic, wide-leg, pastel culottes carry limited wearability, but trust me, they’re versatile. I’m thrilled I could work them into an edgy fall ensemble, but I look forward to wearing them with other pastels and a pair of sandals during my next warm-weather excursion, or with a collared blouse and a tailored blazer for a more professional setting. Don’t forget, a statement piece can make more than one statement, depending on the occasion.

Labor Day has officially come and gone, but the white-on-white look is here to stay. I don’t really know why that rule ever existed in the first place. If anything, summertime foods are the ones you’re most likely to get all over yourself. So, winter whites, here I come! Also, I know this is a little late, but I’d like to take this time to say how grateful I am for the return of the skort. Paris, Britney and Lindsay sure could have used them a few years ago…